Hello everyone,
I posted this note on the 'how many years before retirement' thread and have reposted below.
I live in the suburbs of London. You all seem to be living in the US. I guess the principle is the same on both sides of the pond. I started full time work at age 17, did lots of part time jobs in my teens. I will be 50 years old in 8 months time. I have a company pension that I could use from age 50 but it would be reduced because I would be taking it so early. I have invested in various bonds and things and could live the same quality of life as I do now if I left full time employment at 50. I'll probably leave at 52. I have no kids but I am married and my wife does not earn very much, I own my property. I cannot wait to retire or at least give up the full time daily grind in London. I have people around me who cannot believe that I would leave work at 52 they tell me that I should stick at it until 60. I would feel slightly embarrassed at retiring early but I shouldn't as I will have worked hard for 35 years. I just worry about declining health in the future which is why I want to get out at 52 and enjoy myself for my remaining years. As everyone says 'you only live once' I feel that I have done my time at the coal face and deserve some 'me' time before it is too late.
Thanks
Peter.
I posted this note on the 'how many years before retirement' thread and have reposted below.
I live in the suburbs of London. You all seem to be living in the US. I guess the principle is the same on both sides of the pond. I started full time work at age 17, did lots of part time jobs in my teens. I will be 50 years old in 8 months time. I have a company pension that I could use from age 50 but it would be reduced because I would be taking it so early. I have invested in various bonds and things and could live the same quality of life as I do now if I left full time employment at 50. I'll probably leave at 52. I have no kids but I am married and my wife does not earn very much, I own my property. I cannot wait to retire or at least give up the full time daily grind in London. I have people around me who cannot believe that I would leave work at 52 they tell me that I should stick at it until 60. I would feel slightly embarrassed at retiring early but I shouldn't as I will have worked hard for 35 years. I just worry about declining health in the future which is why I want to get out at 52 and enjoy myself for my remaining years. As everyone says 'you only live once' I feel that I have done my time at the coal face and deserve some 'me' time before it is too late.
Thanks
Peter.